Baildon Seconds 10 Keighley Academy 34

KEIGHLEY built on the previous week’s character-building victory over Cleckheaton with another win over their local rivals.

As in that game, the Academy played the first half up the slope with the wind at their faces against a vocally confident Baildon.

But from the start Keighley were the more dominant team, especially in the forwards, who made good yards with a strong rolling maul.

This early momentum led to their first try on seven minutes after quick hands released Dave Pullen to scoot in at the corner. A superb touchline conversion from Jordan Powell gave Keighley a 7-0 lead.

Andrew Marklew, relishing his new role with the Academy, created problems within the Baildon defence all afternoon.

It was one of his angled chip kicks to his left on 18 minutes which found leading try-scorer Micky Phillips, who raced over near the posts.

Man of the match Powell was again successful with the boot and a further penalty on 25 minutes extended the lead to 17-0.

On 33 minutes Keighley scored the best team try of the season so far. Starting with a Marklew break, the ball went through the hands of Neil Jordan, Steve Welch and Jordan Powell, who made good yards before slipping the ball to Nathan Berry and he finished the move by scoring at the side of the posts. The successful conversion made it 24-0 at the break.

Against the run of play Baildon opened their account on 55 minutes with a short-range try wide out. But their hopes of a fightback were nullified by the ever-alert Marklew, who scored from the base of a close-range ruck.

A Danny Baines sin-binning for being offside didn't stop Keighley's momentum. On 70 minutes Berry took advantage of more good teamwork to go in at the corner for his second try.

Baildon managed a last-gasp consolation try in the corner but the visitors could reflect on so many positives. The first 40 minutes produced easily their most dominant team display of the season so far.

Marklew, Needham and Neil Jordan are supplying a great platform and steadying influence, giving the youngsters their chance to shine.

Special mention also goes to Joe Emmott, Kaleb Shaw, Marcus Jordan and Powell for stepping up to the plate.